A Better High Priest
We are well into our New Year’s series, A Better Way, walking through the book of Hebrews. And though we don’t know the author’s name, what we do know is this: Hebrews is a work of theological brilliance. Written to Jewish Christians in the first century—believers who were growing weary under pressure and persecution—it draws on the entire story of Israel to present Jesus as the fulfillment of everything they had hoped for.
For these early believers, faith in Jesus wasn’t just a personal decision. It was a reorientation of their entire religious world. Their lives had been shaped by the rhythms of the temple, and at the very center of those rhythms stood one day above all others: the Day of Atonement. One day. One priest. One moment when blood was carried behind the veil into the Holy of Holies, hoping the sacrifice would be accepted and forgiveness secured.
Hebrews has been guiding us through that sacred story. Now, in Hebrews 4:12–5:10, the focus tightens. The Word of God exposes us fully—not to shame us, but to tell us the truth. And just as that weight settles in, we are given astonishing news: we have a great high priest.
The Word That Sees Everything
Hebrews tells us that the Word of God is living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword. This isn’t merely Scripture as ink on a page. It is God’s living address—His covenant Word fulfilled in Jesus and spoken to us now. It cuts past appearances and behavior, reaching motives, intentions, and hidden places of the heart.
This kind of exposure can feel uncomfortable. Like a scalpel, it cuts in order to heal. God’s Word confronts not to condemn, but to restore. Nothing in us is hidden from Him—but that truth is meant to lead us somewhere, not drive us away.
From Exposure to Invitation
If Hebrews stopped there, we might shrink back in fear. But it doesn’t. The author pivots from exposure to invitation:
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest…”
This placement is intentional. The Word exposes us so that we will run—not from God, but toward a priest who understands our weakness.
Jesus is not distant. He is not detached. He has been tempted in every way we are—yet without sin. He doesn’t minimize our struggle. He has carried it. And because of that, we are invited to approach the throne of grace with confidence—not timidity, not shame, but bold trust in His mercy.
A Priest Appointed, Not Taken
Hebrews 5 explains why Jesus is the priest we truly need. No priest takes this role for himself; he is called by God. Jesus did not seize authority—He received it. And unlike earthly priests who had to offer sacrifices for their own sin, Jesus stands before God without needing atonement for Himself.
The author anchors this priesthood in the mysterious figure of Melchizedek—king of righteousness, king of peace—whose priesthood precedes and surpasses the Levitical system. Jesus belongs to that order. His priesthood is eternal, royal, and unending.
Obedience Forged Through Suffering
Hebrews brings us into the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed with cries and tears. He knows anguish. He knows what it means to trust God when obedience is costly. “Son though he was,” Hebrews says, “he learned obedience through what he suffered.”
Not because He was disobedient—but because obedience is fully lived out in suffering.
Fully Known, Fully Welcomed
Hebrews holds two truths together that we often separate:
God’s Word cuts deeply.
God’s Priest holds us gently.
We are fully known—and fully welcomed.
We don’t mediate ourselves to God through performance or effort. Jesus is our priest. And He invites us to come—not when we are strong, but when we need mercy.
This is the better way.
This is our better high priest.